Burlesque Corsets

My Less Than $20 Cheap Corset Review

Mar 152013

I recently purchased a “corset” (against my better judgement.. haha) from TinyDeal. This website specializes in cheap everything direct from China at wholesale prices. I bought a “corset” for around $17 (with free int’l shipping) and it arrived in less than two weeks. I was shocked it came so fast, usually packages coming from China take at least 3 weeks before they arrive. I paid with Paypal, just in case.

This is what it looks like:

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Floral Print Women Bustier Panty Set

$18.07

I read as many reviews as I could find (most of them in other languages, so I had to use google translate) and all of the customers were happy with their purchases. This photo, by the way, is a complete rip-off of What Katie Did‘s Lace Laurie Corset. The corset isn’t the same quality AT ALL and not to be confused with the quality of What Katie Did. I just bought it because I liked the look.

This is what this cheap imitation looks like:

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And this is what it looks like on me:

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tinydeal $20 corset review what katie did cheap imitation

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(Sorry for the bad quality photos, I took these with my camera phone and lightened them a bit.)

Do you see how the busk is rigid and the buttons point at a strange angle? That’s not because the size is wrong but because of the cheap materials used. The metal “buttons” are very cheap and angle out. On a real corset, that’s meant to be worn and conform to the body, this would not happen. The busk would stay closed and not overlap, gap or be mismatched. This cheap corset comes with two sets of ribbon laces in the back which I immediately switched out to heavy duty ones meant for real corsets.

Since I have a natural hourglass figure, I could easily lace down at least 4 inches. That’s not possible with this “corset”, no matter how much breaking in I do. I don’t believe this would conform to my shape due to the cheap material. That said, I do recommend this cheap corset for a few things:

Recommended use

Costume parties
Boudoir wowing
Burlesque acts
Pin Up Shoots
Clubbing

Not recommended for

Tightlacing (or any sort of reduction)
Those looking for a real corset
What Katie Did employees? LOL

So all in all, I spent less than $20 bucks and got myself a bustier that looks nice and nothing more. To be honest, I think I’ll order a few more as they’re so cheap, I don’t have much to lose. I honestly expected a lot worse (loose threads, cheaper fabric, even cheaper plastic boning) but it’s better than what I expected, for sure. Thanks for reading!

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Glamorous Marilyn Monroe Inspired Platinum Collection by Shirley of Hollywood

Corsets, Vintage Inspired Lingerie

Feb 052011

The hard-to-find and nearly sold-out-everywhere Shirley of Hollywood Platinum Collection, inspired by Marilyn Monroe, is from a couple of years ago. Lingerie from this line crop up every now and then, but not often! The Shirley of Hollywood Platinum Collection is made with soft charmeuse satin, sparkle knit, trapunto stitch cups, lace and lace overlay and is very reminiscent of glamorous Old Hollywood. Colors include black, platinum white, red and black and a little pink too.

The Shirley of Hollywood Platinum Collection is not to be confused with another Marilyn Monroe inspired collection they also came out with a few years after this one – which looked *shudder* hideous. They made a small print of her face and added polka dots and ruffles in satin. The entire collection looked more Minnie Mouse than Marilyn Monroe, in my opinion.

Onto the Platinum Collection! I think it’s, by far, the best Marilyn Monroe inspired lingerie collection out there. Some of those I’ve seen just kind of hint at Marilyn’s style, but this one gets it spot on.

Corsets Are A Girl’s Best Friend

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marilyn monroe platinum collection shirley of hollywood corset sequin

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Marilyn actually only wore a corset in a few period films, like the River of No Return

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. She did not, in real life, need to wear a corset. But these are beautifully done and inspired by her! I can see where they took the inspiration from. These would be gorgeous for a burlesque routine when you want that classy glitz and glam.

The first corset from the left, with the bow, is also available in Red & Black and plus sizes at Amazon.

The second is only still availble in Black/Silver at Amazon.

The third, which is the most stunning of the three can also be worn strapless. It’s available in sizes 36 and 38 right now, from this page at Amazon

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All of these corsets can also be found at the Pampered Passions Shirley of Hollywood section, in plus sizes as well.

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These first two corsets are actually the same corset! This satin corset enhanced with trapunto and lace is completely reversible – two looks in one! The third is a stretch lace teddiette, also available in red. The first corset can be found here at Amazon

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and the third here. Again, all of them are available at the Pampered Passions Shirley of Hollywood section.

Marilyn’s Heat Wave 1950s Pinup Girl 3-Piece Playsuit Romper

1950s red black marilyn monroe shirley of hollywood platinum collection romper

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I think this is the best out of their entire collection and that’s saying something! Excellent job, Shirley of Hollywood! I want more of this!

The entire set includes the red satin bra top with softly padded under wired clips, adjustable shoulder straps, stretch mesh bra back, with hook and eye closure. The romper is made in stretch knit with a super scoop neckline and red satin sash. I think this playful suit looks best with matching wedges for a true pinup girl look. Get it here at Amazon.

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Sugar Kane Starstruck Sparkle Stretch Knit

marilyn monroe platinum collection shirley of hollywood starstruck sparkle dress

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marilyn monroe shirley of hollywood platinum collection sparkle knit bustier

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I love the rhinestone accent on the black Starstruck Sparkle knit bustier. Bustier features a rhinestone applique, fashion boning, and hook and eye closure in the back. Comes with a matching G-string panty. Sized according to your bra band size. Found here on Amazon.

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The Starstruck Sparkle romantic knit mini dress has slimming boning to enhance your figure and a halter neck. Get it here on Amazon.

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Marilyn Monroe Inspired Babydoll

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Romantic Marilyn Monroe inspired charmeuse babydoll has slightly padded under wired cups, romantic ruffles and a waste-slimming bow. Comes with the g-string and Shirley of Hollywood signature Marilyn Rhinestone Star. Available up to a size large and only in ivory, here on Amazon

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. This babydoll is available in all colors and all sizes (including plus sizes) in the Shirley of Hollywood section on Pampered Passions.

What do you think of this collection? Does it pay homage to Marilyn? Comment below and tell me what you think!

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Vollers Corsets are 20% off right now!

Corsets, Lingerie Sales

Jan 312011

Spring/Summer 2011 Vollers Corsets are in stock over at Mio Destino and they’re celebrating by giving you 20% off until February 7th.

Look fabulous this Valentine’s Day in a glamorous waist-clinching Vollers corset. My favorite?

The Vollers Red Cat Satin Corset with Spiral Cups

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I wonder if by spiral cups they mean Trapunto stitching or more of a bullet bra shape? I’m not sure by looking at the photo.
THIS IS NOW CLOSED.

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Luxurious and Stunning, Corsetiere Velda Lauder is THE Queen of Corsets

Corsets

Dec 062010

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Velda Lauder Amethyst Satin Swarovski Crystal Curved Corset

This season’s corset trend is getting hotter than ever, as we await the forthcoming launch of Burlesque the Movie, due to reach cinemas mid-December. The Daily Express commented on the huge new Burlesque production’s sassy corset costumes and lavish outfits worn by an all star cast of Christina Aguilera and Cher.

“By all accounts British designer Velda Lauder is the woman to see if you want to be shaped and laced, for Burlesque the film celebrates the style she has made famous by dressing stage and screen stars, most notably America’s burlesque queen Dita Von Teese. Velda also creates couture pieces for Karl Lagerfeld and Swarovski-jewelled lingerie catwalk shows in America.”

-Daily Express Sunday November 14 2010

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Velda Lauder Dita Corset

Who Is Corsetiere Velda Lauder?

Velda Lauder is a designer of fine British couture corsets. She creates beautiful corsets in unique & exquisite fabrics that shape and sculpt the waist.

The Velda Lauder ‘Ready to Wear’ line is also traditionally made from the highest quality materials and is manufactured entirely in Britain.

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Velda Lauder Pewter Taffeta Deep Plunge Swarovski Corset

Velda Lauder Corsets on Celebrities

A show stopping performance by Miss Lily White with the new burlesque collection at the London Fashion week. The Sugababes dressed in Black Mesh Underbust corsets encrusted in Swarovski Crystals, for their finale performance with Patti Labelle at ‘Swarovski Fashion Rocks’ at the Royal Albert Hall London. The ‘Kodak Theater’ in Los Angeles, as Heidi Klum, Karolina Kurkova, Miranda Kerr and Marisa Miller strutted down the runway in Velda Lauder outfits.

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Velda Lauder Gold Jewelled and Frilled Corset

Velda has always had a passion for corsets and all things glamorous. After graduating she set up the enchanting Velda Lauder corset in London, which sells to such A-listers as Heidi Klum, Dita Von Teese, Charlotte Church and Saffron. Her lines of corsets, underbusts and accessories have proved highly sought after by celebrities when they want to make a seriously sexy fashion statement.

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Velda Lauder Black Manikin Cotton and Satin Half Cup Corset

Velda Lauder creates beautiful, luxury corsets in unique & exquisite fabrics, that shape and sculpt the waist without oppressing a woman’s ribs or hips. Velda Lauder corsetry is all hand made in their London studio using the most luxurious materials and finishings.

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Velda Lauder Green Absinthe Jewelled Corset

“The gift of the corset is its ability to free the inner strength and beauty of a woman in an instant.”

- Velda Lauder, Corsetiere

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Velda Lauder Cream Silk and Black Lace Half Cup Corset

Velda’s love of 40’s and 50’s movies has shaped her fascination with curve-creating garments and Hollywood glamour icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Gina Lollobrigida and Sophia Loren have helped inspire her. These glamorous women with their hypnotic hourglass shapes, all size 16 plus, were enhanced by technically brilliant foundation garments.

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Velda Lauder Luxurious Black Swarovski Crystal Corset

Velda Lauder corsets are a delicious embellishment of contoured precision that can reduce your waist up to a staggering 5 inches. Don’t miss out on this must have wardrobe essential and get your Velda Lauder corset today from Love Burlesque.

You can buy Velda Lauder corsets at

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Love Burlesque and Amazon.

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Holiday Gifts for your Showgirl: 4 Luxurious Corsets!

Corsets, Vintage Gifts

Nov 272010

For the wilder, more daring lady why not choose a stylish and unique corset which is specially made just for them. Corsets are popular, and give women a great hourglass shape. Select her corset from WKD’s best selling ‘Showgirl‘ collection below. They have a huge selection of vintage inspired corsets!

What Katie Did Sophia Bubblegum Pink Raw Silk Corset

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For a first choice, this overbust corset from What Katie Did is ideal. This pink! raw silk corset is designed to fit women who wear up to an E bra cup.

Velda Lauder Dita Corset

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This classic style curve corset, as worn by Dita Von Teese is made with a combination of luxurious black satin and gray suiting fabric. The front has a concealed busk and a satin bow, which ties around the waist to add style to any outfit.

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Vollers Satin Corset

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A very sexy red satin Vollers corset with a slightly wider hip, making it ideal for tighter lacing to achieve an hourglass look. All Vollers corsets are front fastening – Choose from 11 different colors! (Pictured in Cherry Red Satin)

What Katie Did Gold Label Showgirl Antoinette Black Corset

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Just like its namesake, this corset is guaranteed to make you feel like a Queen! Made in rich black satin with beautifully intricate pleating around the bustline and bottom, the shape is highly reminiscent of its 18th Century ancestors, but with much more up-to-date comfort and construction.

Instead of a completely flat front, WKD added a gentle curve to support the breasts better. The bustline has pointed sides, and the overall result is a beautiful balconette effect that remains supportive and uplifting. The goring at the hips ensures that even newer corset-wearers can achieve a really substantial waist reduction; but experienced corset addicts will often find they can wear a smaller size than usual, making this Showgirl a real show-stopper!

WKD designed the Antoinette to fit a B-E cup, but A-cup ladies have also had a great result.